Disputed Territory

Question

After the U.S. annexed Texas, the United States and Mexico disagreed about the new boundaries. Both countries claimed a large area of land on the Texas-Mexico border. This area was called the disputed territory. The dispute over this territory led directly to the beginning of the U.S.-Mexican War.

President Polk took several actions to address the boundary dispute. Some of these actions suggest that Polk tried to start a war with Mexico, while others suggest that he wanted to avoid a war.

Question Decide whether each of the following actions shows that President Polk tried to start or wanted to avoid war with Mexico.

1. President Polk is trying to start a war

2. President Polk wants to avoid a war

President Polk sends a group of American explorers to Mexican territory of California to start a violent rebellion against the Mexican government. (1 or 2)
President Polk sends an army into the disputed territory, knowing the army would be attacked by a Mexican army. (1 or 2)
President Polk send a negotiator to Mexico City to peacefully address the border dispute. The negotiator also tries to purchase the Mexican territories of California and New Mexico. (1 or 2)

Answer 1

1. President Polk is trying to start a war

   • President Polk sends a group of American explorers to Mexican territory of California to start a violent rebellion against the Mexican government. (1)

2. President Polk wants to avoid a war

   • President Polk send a negotiator to Mexico City to peacefully address the border dispute. The negotiator also tries to purchase the Mexican territories of California and New Mexico. (2)

3. President Polk is trying to start a war

   • President Polk sends an army into the disputed territory, knowing the army would be attacked by a Mexican army. (1)